An alleged migrant smuggling network operating between Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau has been broken up in Kafountine, Casamance. According to the investigation conducted by the Ziguinchor branch of the National Division for Combating Migrant Smuggling (DNLT), nearly 190 individuals seeking to emigrate irregularly had been identified as part of a plan to make the sea crossing to the Canary Islands, Spain.
Each would-be migrant reportedly paid 400,000 CFA francs to take part in the journey.
Intelligence gathered by the Ziguinchor DNLT branch indicated that the departure was scheduled for 17th September, 2026, with a transit stop in The Gambia. Of the prospective travellers, nearly 140 had reportedly been gathered in an apartment in Barra, near Banjul, while the others were due to arrive in Kafountine prior to transport. The alleged network was reportedly organised around several individuals, including Babacar Aïdara alias “Vieux” identified as the ringleader; Adama Traoré, responsible for collecting funds; and Oumar Traoré, who allegedly helped recruit the migrants.
The operation reached a turning point on 17th September with the interception of four alleged boat captains: Abdoulaye Guèye, Ibrahima Ndong, El Hadji Sarr, and Bassirou Sarr. According to statements obtained by investigators, they were attempting to covertly move a pirogue from the Kafountine fishing wharf toward The Gambia. They reportedly stated that they were acting under instructions from Aïdara and Adama Traoré. On board the vessel, responders discovered an outboard motor and seven fuel containers holding 60 litres each, totalling 420 litres.
Investigations conducted in collaboration with the local branch of Hassmar (the High Authority for the Coordination of Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, and Marine Environmental Protection) led to the arrest the following day of Oumar Traoré, Ass Diop, and Mame Mor Mbengue. They reportedly admitted to being on board the pirogue as part of an operation to retrieve the vessel. Oumar Traoré reportedly implicated his older brother, Babacar Aïdara—who is currently at large—and stated that the alleged network had been active since 2023, organising several operations, including a 2025 voyage departing from Guinea-Bissau with 205 migrants and an aborted attempt in The Gambia in August 2026.
Following these operations, the seven arrested individuals were brought before the public prosecutor at the Ziguinchor High Court. According to the case file, they face charges of criminal conspiracy, attempted migrant smuggling by sea, complicity, endangering the lives of others, and organised fraud. The pirogue and outboard motor have been placed under provisional seal.
Aïdara and Adama Traoré remain at large. Investigations are ongoing to determine individual levels of responsibility and to identify any other potential accomplices.
Dakaractu